PM: Hold fast to family values to keep nation strong


PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian society must protect its strong family values as they are crucial for nation-building, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said a corrupt and untrustworthy society will weaken the country, and this had afflicted many civilisations throughout history.

“When values disappear, the country may continue to develop, but other evil things will (arise) as well, like corruption and misappropriation. That’s the sign a society is losing its values.

ALSO READ: Quality education for all

“We can be successful if our families are nurtured the right way. Any group will flourish when its leaders, whether the head of the family or the head of the nation, continue to protect strong family values.

“Otherwise, the (bad leader) will only harm the country and cause chaos. It will be difficult for such a person to convince society that he is capable,” he said when launching National Family Month at Dataran Putrajaya here on Saturday (Nov 4).

One ingredient to ensure strong family unity is to nurture religious values among children from an early age, he said.

ALSO READ: Top 25 spot in Corruption Perception Index is attainable, says Mohd Zuki

This was especially so in Malaysia, which is multiracial and has multiple faiths, he added.

“A long time ago, (Former British colonial agent) Stamford Raffles asked (Malayan writer) Abdullah Munshi, what were the children doing (in daily activities).

“Abdullah Munshi said as soon as the children knew their parents, the people of Melaka at the time were taught about Allah, to read the Quran and learn the Alif Ba Ta (Arabic alphabet).

“I hope these values can be instilled in everyone. When we are nurtured... to always be in search of knowledge, we will have good discipline.”

At the same time, the Prime Minister said strong family values will also shape society to become more compassionate and intelligent.

ALSO READ: Harmoni Committee holds inaugural meeting to improve inter-faith harmony

However, he pointed out that such values must be put into practice on a daily basis, especially by parents.

He added that this is also in line with the Negara Madani concept, which is to instill strong values in every person.

“This is especially important during a difficult time such as now when we are seeing cruelty being done in Gaza. We were raised by our parents to be loving of one another.

“How could we not be affected by the injustice? We were nurtured to understand what is love, compassion and the meaning of humanity and even though they (Palestinians) are Arabs and not Malaysians, we feel the pain too.

“This is why instilling strong values in our children is important and is one of the pillars of the Madani concept,” he added.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

417 Filipinos deported via deportation programme for illegals, says Sabah Immigration Department
Zambry: UiTM enrolment separate issue from Parallel Pathway programme
Investigate DRT deal, says MCA division youth leaders
Pahang succeeds in eradicating hardcore poverty, says MB
Happy National Journalist Day, Dr Wee wishes journos
MMEA thwarts attempt to smuggle turtle meat from 1,000 animals near Kudat
MCMC and UNODC lead fight against cybercrime in Southeast Asia
KDCA and stall operator settle dispute with traditional salt ceremony
City Hall to provide four contractors in each parliamentary area for tree maintenance
C4 urges procurement reforms amid Selangor mobility contract controversy

Others Also Read